J&K safe tourist destination, says Azad

Jammu, Jan 27 (UNI) Terming Jammu and Kashmir a ''safe tourist destination'' Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today told the Legislative Assembly that all 40 accused apprehended on the charges of throwing grenades on tourists were locals and no person from outside the state has been found involved in the incidents.

Describing such acts ''most unfortunate,'' he said that with regard to providing specific information about the issue he will reply in detail either on Monday or when the grants of Home Department would be discussed in the House.

He was replying to a volley of supplementaries raised by Leader of the opposition Abdul Rahim Rather and other opposition members while intervening during a question raised in the House to this effect.

Replying to queries about the arrest of some people from Himachal Pradesh in connection with throwing grenade on tourists, Mr Azad said all arrested youths were all locals. He said the arrests were made in a short time due to incentives and rewards announced by the state government for the person giving positive and effective clue about the incidents.

The Lower House was informed more than 6.05 lakh visitors both domestic and foreigners visited state during year 2005 whereas 38496 visitors visited Ladakh in the same period.

During 2006 over 4.12 lakh domestic and over 20,000 foreign tourists visited the state whereas over 43,000 visitors visited Ladakh.

''A wrong impression is being circulated outside the state that there is a threat to the tourists in Jammu and Kashmir which, is absolutely wrong'' he said ''Jammu and Kashmir is still safe tourist destination and stray incidents do take place everywhere in the world and for such minor incidents negative advisories cannot be flowed,'' the chief minister added.

Mr Azad said the government has taken every precaution to provide foolproof security to the visiting guests and even the people are extending hospitality and protection to the tourists.

UNI